In the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) world we live in today, competitors and customers have become unpredictable and industries amorphous. Given this and the notion that sustainable competitive advantage is either dead or dying, the ability to think critically and lead strategically has never been more important. Being able to do our best thinking in any situation and to execute strategically in a dynamic new environment is critical.
Online Modules and Learning Outcomes
Orientation / Introduction
This session will prepare participants for the three modules to follow. It will frame and provide context for each module, establish norms for the program, provide an opportunity for participants to begin to interact with one-another, and clarify what is expected from the participants.
Module 1 • Leading Strategically
Formulating strategies then successfully implementing them, often through or in collaboration with others, is what achieves results. This module adopts a pragmatic and practical approach to strategic management. It explores the frameworks, tools and approaches used in formulating strategies, but also focuses on how to get traction on them and implement successfully in collaboration with others.
Module 2 • Leading Strategically in a Digital World
This module explores a number of the technologies that are facilitating this change as well as the implications they will have on how organizations formulate strategy, implement strategy, and organize themselves in a digital world. New thinking with respect to strategic management concepts and approaches will be explored with a view to ensuring participants acquire tangible ideas they can use in their current and future roles.
Module 3 • Critical Thinking in Strategy
This module examines how the way we think influences the strategic choices we make and the consequences we create as a result. It explores current concepts and approaches with respect to critical thinking and also builds upon the material covered in the prior two modules. The focus is on ensuring participants acquire tangible ideas, tools and concepts they can apply.
Who Should Apply
Leaders and aspiring leaders who want to make a positive difference by sharpening their skills in strategic leadership and critical thinking, then apply them in a practical manner in their current and future roles.
Ensure you have read the Who Should Apply section before applying.
Format and Dates
An orientation session plus one Thursday a week over three weeks, online.
(Toronto time, EST)
Orientation/Introduction
March 21, 2024
9:00 am 10:30 am
Module 1 • 9 am-4:00 pm
March 28, 2024
Module 2 • 9 am-4:00 pm
April 4, 2024
Module 3 • 9 am-4:00 pm
April 11, 2024
Fee
Individual registrations - $1,800 + HST / participant
Group registrations of 2 or more - $1,650 + HST / participant.
The fee includes all modules and course materials.
Contact Us for an early bird discount code (valid until January 15, 2024)!
Program Certificate
A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the program (i.e. written assignment, attendance, participation). There will be approximately 1-2 hour of pre-work required in advance of each session.
Meet the Instructor
Kevin Yousie is an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, in the Institute for Management & Innovation at the University of Toronto, where he teaches General Management and International Business in five graduate programs as well as two undergraduate programs. His particular area of focus is Strategic Management. He is Chair of U of T’s annual tri campus IMI Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Competition. He has served on boards and has been actively engaged in consulting for more than twenty years. His client list now includes more than 70 organizations including Fortune 500 companies, large international banks, pension funds, insurance companies, regulators, credit union organizations, as well as not-for-profit and philanthropic organizations largely within the sustainable economy sector.
Past Participant Spotlight
“I found this program highly collaborative, engaging and well designed. The discussions and examples are thought provoking and spark reflection amongst the participants. I can't wait to apply the new concepts and frameworks I learned through this program into my work and career!"
Ava Dacayo
Cloud Security Strategist
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
“Throughout the course, Professor Yousie provided a great balance between interactivity, instruction, and hands-on application of the knowledge he imparted. Through open-ended assignments, we had the opportunity to immediately apply concepts to a current professional project, and receive practical feedback from Professor Yousie. This was incredibly valuable, and positively impacted a large project I am leading.”
Raquel De Souza
Strategic Research Initiatives & Partnerships Manager
University of Toronto Mississauga
"Throughout this program and coming out of the program, I was able to gain insights from peers and Professor Yousie about different work environments and projects. I also was able to validate my knowledge and pick up many new ways of assessing, designing and implementing strategic projects. This learning experience was jam packed with knowledge, practical applications and opportunities to test out your learnings on a current strategic project."
Amarachi Nwamadi
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager
The Home Depot
